Brake stand systems

ABSTRACT

A stand for an electronic display. The stand includes a brake mechanism to selectively fix the position of the display at a desired vertical position. An actuator proximate an outer edge of the display to selectively lock and unlock the brake mechanism. A brake mechanism locked and unlocked by tilting a display.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/961,920, titled Brake Stand Systems, filed Dec. 7, 2010, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/267,250,filed Dec. 7, 2009, the contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The invention generally relates to stands for supporting electronicdisplays.

BACKGROUND

Known height adjustable stands for electronic displays typically come intwo varieties. The first requires the user to supply all the forcenecessary to adjust the height of the stand (i.e., the stands of thistype are not counterbalanced). Generally, these stands provide some typeof clamping device directly behind the display. Since the clamp is in anarea that is hard to reach, users do not generally adjust the height ofthe stand to position the display at its best ergonomic position.Instead, they pick a height when initially setting up the system and donot adjust the height thereafter because of the difficulty in reachingthe clamp.

Height adjustable stands of the other common type providecounterbalancing forces to help the user lift and hold the weight of thedisplay. These types of stands are popular for holding heavy displays(e.g., displays weighing more than about 3 kilograms) and/or multipledisplays. Generally, the display is held in position wherever the usersets it, without the user having to unlock clamps or engage pin locks.Although counterbalanced stands are desirable for these heavierdisplays, they are actually disadvantageous when holding light displays,such as those weighing less than about 3 kilograms.

For light displays, the weight of the display can be about the same asthe amount of friction inherent in a counterbalancing mechanism. In suchcircumstances, the counterbalancing mechanism will not hold the displayposition because there is essentially no weight to counterbalance.Accordingly, the height of the display will tend to creep up to themaximum height allowed by the stand because of the forces from thecounterbalancing mechanism acting upon it. Another problem with usingcounterbalancing mechanisms for extremely light displays is that when auser attempts to adjust the height of the display in an upwarddirection, the entire stand lifts off the support surface rather thanacting against the counterbalancing mechanism. This happens because thefriction within the counterbalancing system is nearly equal to theweight of the display. These problems are likely to only get worse asdisplay technology advances and ever lighter displays are commercializedand adopted.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the invention includes a stand for an electronicdisplay. In general, the electronic displays are relatively light fortheir screen size. For example, electronic displays particularly usefulwith the stands described herein can be about 0.25 kilograms to about 3kilograms.

The stands have a first portion ultimately coupled to the display andthat is adapted to move vertically along with the display relative to afixed second portion of the stand. Accordingly, the vertical position ofthe display can be adjusted to provide for ergonomic positioning.

Embodiments of the stand also include a brake mechanism to selectivelyfix the position of the first portion relative to the second portion ata desired vertical position. In some embodiments, an actuator isprovided to selectively lock and unlock the brake mechanism. Unlike theprior art mechanisms discussed above, the actuator is not located behindthe screen where the first portion and the second portion connect.Rather, the actuator is proximate an outer edge of the display.Accordingly, a user can actuate the actuator while grasping the displaywith the same hand that is grasping the display. In other embodiments,the display itself acts as the actuator, such that the brake mechanismis locked and unlocked by tilting the display. This is a significantimprovement over prior art stands that require the user to reach behindthe display to undo a clamp to change the vertical height of the stand.Having the actuator in the described position allows for a user toeasily unlock the brake and adjust the display's height by simplygrasping the display about its outer edge in a natural manner.

When the brake is unlocked the relative vertical position between thefirst and second portions is solely adjustable by application of anexternal force applied by the user. That is, there are nocounterbalancing systems that help support the weight of the display.Because the invention is particularly useful for displays weightingbetween about 0.25 kilograms and 3 kilograms, such counterbalancing,which is often very desirable for traditional and relatively heavydisplay technology, is detrimental as described above.

Embodiments of the invention eliminate the problems associated with bothtypes of prior art stands in that they have the convenience and ease ofuse of a counterbalanced stand, but do not have the problems associatedwith counterbalanced stands when used with relatively light displays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention.The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended foruse in conjunction with the explanations in the following detaileddescription. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 a includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 b includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 c includes a rear perspective view of a stand with a display in afirst position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 d includes a rear perspective view of a stand with a display in asecond position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 includes a close-up see-through rear perspective view of a brakemechanism in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 c-d.

FIG. 3 includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 a includes a rear perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 b includes a rear perspective view of a stand in accordance withthe embodiment of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 includes another perspective view of a brake mechanism inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 4 a and b.

FIG. 6 a includes a rear perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 b includes a rear perspective view of a stand in accordance withthe embodiment of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 includes another perspective view of a brake mechanism inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 a and b.

FIG. 8 includes another perspective view of a brake mechanism inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 a and b.

FIG. 9 includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 a includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 b includes a cross-sectional front perspective view of a standin accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12 a includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 b includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 c includes a side cut-away view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 d includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 e includes a side plan view of the stand of FIG. 12 d in a firstvertical position.

FIG. 12 f includes a side plan view of the stand of FIG. 12 d in asecond vertical position.

FIG. 12 g includes a side cut-away view of the stand of FIG. 12 d in anunlocked position.

FIG. 12 h includes a side cut-away view of the stand of FIG. 12 d in alocked position.

FIG. 12 i includes a top plan view of the stand of FIG. 12 d.

FIG. 12 j includes a perspective cut-away view of the stand of FIG. 12d.

FIG. 13 a includes a side plan view of a stand in a first position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 b includes a side plan view of a stand in a second position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 c includes a side plan view of a stand in a third position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 d includes a side plan view of a stand in a fourth position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 a includes a side plan view of a stand in a first position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 b includes a side plan view of a stand in a second position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 c includes a side plan view of a stand in a third position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 d includes a side plan view of a stand in a fourth position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 a includes a side plan view of a stand in a first position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 b includes a side plan view of a stand in a second position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 c includes a side plan view of a stand in a third position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 d includes a side plan view of a stand in a fourth position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 a includes a side plan view of a stand in a first position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 b includes a side plan view of a stand in a second position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 c includes a side plan view of a stand in a third position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 d includes a side plan view of a stand in a fourth position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 a includes a side plan view of a stand in a first position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 b includes a side plan view of a stand in a second position inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 a includes a front plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 b includes a rear plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 c includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 d includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 e includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 f includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 g includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 h includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 i includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 j includes a perspective view of a base in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 k includes a perspective view of a base in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 l includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 m includes a front perspective view of a stand in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 a includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 b includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 c includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 d includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 e includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 f includes a side plan view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description provides somepractical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, andmanufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and allother elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill inthe field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatmany of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

In some embodiments, the invention includes a stand 10 for an electronicdisplay 20. In general, the electronic displays are relatively light fortheir screen size. For example, electronic displays particularly usefulwith the stands described herein can be about 0.25 kilograms to about 3kilograms. Typically, these types of electronic displays will employorganic light emitting diode or similar lightweight technology.

As shown best in FIGS. 1 a-2, embodiments of the stand 10 include aninterface 30 to attach the display 20 to the stand 10. In someembodiments, the interface 30 is a Video Electronics StandardsAssociation (VESA) complaint connection. As shown, the interface 30 canbe attached to a first portion 34 of the stand 10 that is adapted tomove vertically along with the display 20 relative to a fixed secondportion 36 of the stand 10. Accordingly, the vertical position of thedisplay 20 can be adjusted. Such a vertical adjustment providesimportant ergonomic benefits by allowing a user to correctly align thevertical position of the monitor to an ergonomically correct positionrelative to the user.

Also as shown in Figures, embodiments of the stand 10 include a brakemechanism 40 to selectively fix the position of the first portion 34relative to the second portion 36 at a desired vertical position. Thebrake is selectively lockable and unlockable. When the brake is lockedthe relative vertical position between the first and second portions,and therefore the display 20, is maintained. Correspondingly, when thebrake is unlocked the relative vertical position of the display 20 maybe adjusted.

In a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 a-11 b, anactuator 50 is provided to selectively lock and unlock the brakemechanism 40. Unlike prior art mechanisms, the actuator 50 is notlocated behind the screen where the first portion 34 and the secondportion 36 connect. Rather, the actuator 50 is proximate an outer edge60 (i.e., the edge extending about the perimeter (the right, left, top,and bottom of the display) of the display between the screen side andthe side opposite the screen side of the display of the electronicdisplay 20). Accordingly, a user can actuate the actuator 50 whilegrasping the display 20 with the same hand that is grasping the display20. This is a significant improvement over prior art stands that requirethe user to reach behind the display to undo a clamp to change thevertical height of the stand. Since such an operation is awkward, manyusers would not bother to change the height of the stand after thesystem was initially set and would view the display from anergonomically incorrect position. Having the actuator 50 in thedescribed position allows for a user to easily unlock the brake andadjust the display's height by simply grasping the display about itsouter edge 60 in a natural manner, which also actuates the actuator 50since it is positioned proximate the outer edge 60 of the display 20.

The actuator 50 itself can be any structure useful for actuating thebrake, such as a handle or lever end. In some embodiments, the actuator50 is positioned and aligned such that is it easy to actuate when a usergrasps the display 20 to reposition it. In some embodiments, theactuator is a lever extending several inches from the brake mechanism40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a, the actuator extends downwardfrom the brake mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 b, theactuator extends to a side of the brake mechanism. In both embodiments,an end of the actuator is positioned proximate the outer edge 60 of adisplay attached to the stand 10 (the display is not shown in FIG. 1 aor b). For example, an end of the actuator may extend at least about 3inches from the brake mechanism, and/or extend to within about 3 inchesof the outer edge of the display. The actuator may be positioned behindthe display, yet extend to or near a plane defined by the outer edge ofthe display. In other embodiments, the actuator may extend past a planedefined by the outer edge of the display. In yet other embodiments, theactuator may extend past a plane defined by the outer edge of thedisplay and forward past a plane defined by a rear surface of thedisplay.

The actuator is useful for selectively locking and unlocking the brakemechanism to allow for positioning of the display. FIG. 1 c shows astand 10 supporting a display 20 in a first vertical position, and FIG.1 d shows the stand 10 supporting the display 20 in a second verticalposition. When the brake is unlocked the relative vertical positionbetween the first and second portions is solely adjustable byapplication of an external force. That is, there are no counterbalancingsystems that help support the weight of the display 20 or the firstportion 34. Because the invention is particularly useful for displaysweighting between about 0.25 kilograms and 3 kilograms, suchcounterbalancing, which is often very desirable for traditional andrelatively heavy display technology such as liquid crystal displays, isdetrimental. For example, in some cases the weight of a light display isabout the same as, or even less than, the amount of friction inherent ina counterbalancing mechanism. In such circumstances, thecounterbalancing mechanism will not hold the display 20's positionbecause there is essentially no weight to counterbalance. Accordingly,the height of the display 20 will tend to creep up to the maximum heightallowed by the stand because of the forces from the counterbalancingmechanism acting upon it. Another problem with using counterbalancingmechanisms for extremely light displays is that when a user attempts toadjust the height of the display in an upward direction, the entirestand lifts off the support surface rather than acting against thecounterbalancing mechanism. This happens because the friction within thecounterbalancing system is nearly equal to the weight of a very lightdisplay.

The brake mechanism 40 itself may take many forms. For example, as shownin FIGS. 1 c-d and 2, a torsion spring brake may be provided. In such anembodiment, the second portion 36 of the stand 10 includes a verticalpole and the first portion 34 of the stand 10 connects the interface 30to the pole. As shown in FIG. 2, the brake mechanism 40 can include atleast one torsion spring 70 wrapped around the pole. In suchembodiments, the torsion spring 70 has an inner diameter smaller than anouter diameter of the pole when the spring is in its relaxed state toprovide sufficient frictional forces to maintain the relative verticalposition of the first and second portions when the spring is in itsrelaxed state. Further, the brake mechanism 40 can include a fixedcollar 80 to hold a first leg 84 of the torsion spring 70 in a fixedposition relative to the first portion 34, and a selectively rotatablecollar 90 to hold a second leg 94 of the torsion spring 70 in aselectively rotatable position with respect to the first portion 34. Insuch embodiments, the fixed and rotatable collars are received aroundthe pole, and the mechanism further includes an actuator 50 (e.g., arelease lever) located proximate the outer edge 60 of the display 20 toselectively rotate the rotatable collar with respect to the firstportion 34 such that when the actuator 50 is actuated the rotatablecollar is rotated with respect to the first portion 34 to partiallyunwind the torsion spring from its relaxed state. This partial unwindingincreases the inner diameter of the spring to reduce the frictionalforces between the spring and the pole, thereby allowing the firstportion 34 to move relative to the pole such that the vertical positionof the display 20 can be adjusted at an infinite number of verticalpositions along the pole.

Another embodiment of the brake mechanism 40 includes a cam brake, asshown in FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the brake mechanism 40 includesa cam-shaped brake pad 100 carried by the first portion 34. Thecam-shaped brake pad is biased to interact with the second portion 36 tolock the brake and fix relative movement between the first portion 34and the second portion 36. In some embodiments, such a brake mechanism40 further includes an actuator 50 located proximate an outer edge 60 ofthe display 20 to disengage the cam-shaped brake pad from the secondportion 36 such that the position of the display 20 can be adjusted atan infinite number of vertical positions along the second portion 36. Insome embodiments, the cam-shaped brake member is biased against thesecond portion 36 by gravity. In other embodiments, the cam-shaped brakemember is biased against the second portion 36 by a spring (not shown).

Embodiments of brake mechanisms 40 also include a vice clamp brake, asshown in FIGS. 4 a-8. In such embodiments, the brake can include a viceclamp having a clamp bar 110 with an aperture that is biased (e.g., viaa spring) to receive and bind against the second portion 36. Further,the clamp bar can be urged against the bias with a pivoting bar 120attached to a cable 130, the cable being connected to the actuator 50located proximate the outer edge 60 of the display 20. Multipleactuators 50 may be provided at different locations proximate the outeredge 60 of the display 20 to provide a user with several actuationlocations.

As shown in FIGS. 4 a-5, one embodiment of a vice clamp brake includes asingle direction vice clamp, such that the brake, when locked, prohibitsmovement of the first portion 34 relative to the second portion 36 onlyin the downward direction. In such an embodiment, the user simply movesthe display 20 upward if desired without having to actuate the brake.The clamp bar will give and ride along the second portion 36 because ofthe force direction. However, when the external force is removed theweight of the display 20 will be enough to cause the bar to bind againstthe second portion 36.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 a-8, the brake includes a dualdirection vice clamp, such that the brake, when locked, prohibitsmovement of the first portion 34 relative to the second portion 36 inthe downward direction and the upward direction. Accordingly, for thisembodiment, a user must actuate an actuator 50 to unlock the brakeregardless of whether the user desired to move the display 20 upward ordownward.

As shown in FIGS. 9-10, some embodiments of the brake mechanism 40include a spring with an engagement member carried by the first portion34. In such embodiments, the engagement member 140 is biased by thespring to interact with a surface of the second portion 36. As shown,one of the engagement member or the surface 150 of the second portion 36includes a male fitting (e.g., tab or teeth) or a female fitting (e.g.,slots or teeth receiving grooves), and the other of the engagementmember or the surface of the second portion 36 comprises the other ofthe male fitting or female fitting. In such embodiments, the position ofthe display 20 can be adjusted at a discrete number of verticalpositions along the second portion 36 corresponding to the interactionlocations of the male and female fittings. The bias of a spring 160(e.g., a flexible member) can cause the engagement member to interactwith the surface of the second portion 36 to fix the vertical positionof the first portion 34 to the second portion 36. An actuator 50 (e.g.,handle portion) can be provided to move the spring and thereby disengagethe engagement portion with the surface of the second portion 36 suchthat the vertical position of the display 20 can be adjusted at discretevertical positions along the second portion 36. The positions correspondto the interaction locations of the male and female fittings. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the male fitting includes a tab andthe female fitting includes a slot to receive the tab. In otherembodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the male fitting includes a pluralityof teeth and the female fitting includes a plurality of teeth receivinggrooves to receive the teeth.

Another embodiment of a brake mechanism 40 is shown in FIGS. 11 a and b.In this embodiment, the actuator is pivotably coupled to the firstportion via an actuator pivot mechanism 162. The actuator also includesa male fitting 164 (e.g., tabs or teeth) that are selectively engagablewith a series of female fittings 166 (e.g., slots or teeth receivinggrooves) included in the second portion. Of course, this arrangementcould be reversed, with the actuator including a female fitting and thesecond portion including a male fitting. In such an embodiment, theportion of the actuator having the male or female fitting can beconsidered part of the brake mechanism. As shown, a spring 168 (e.g., acompression spring) can be provided to bias the male fitting into thefemale fitting to lock the position of the first portion relative to thesecond portion. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 a and b, the firstportion is coupled to the second portion via first and second slides 169that facilitate controlled adjustability when the male fittings are notengaged with the female fittings.

FIG. 11 b shows such a brake mechanism coupled to a display 20. Asshown, the actuator 50 is located proximate an edge 60 of the display,such that a user could grasp the display and actuate the actuator with asingle hand. FIG. 11 b also shows a display tilt mechanism 210 coupledto the first portion 34. The display tilt allows for the tilt angle ofthe display to be adjusted to a desired position, and is independentlyadjustable of the actuator pivot mechanism.

In other embodiments, the stand 10 does not include a separate actuator50. In such embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 a-j, the brake mechanism40 is selectively lockable and unlockable by a tilting motion of adisplay 20 attached to the interface 30. That is, when a user tilts thedisplay 20 in the prescribed manner, the tilting motion itself causesselective locking and unlocking of the brake. In such an embodiment, itis the display 20 itself that acts as the actuator 50.

As shown in FIG. 12 a, one embodiment of this type includes a brakemechanism 40 with a first engagement member 170 carried by the firstportion 34 and a second engagement member 180 carried by the firstportion 34. The first engagement member is adapted to interact with afirst surface 190 of the second portion 36 and the second engagementmember adapted to interact with a second surface 200 of the secondportion 36 (both first and second surfaces are generally integral withsecond portion 36, and can be found in different locations of the samesurface). The second surface of the second portion 36 is approximatelyopposite to the first surface of the second portion 36, such that thefirst portion 34 is fixed relative to the second portion 36 when thebrake is in its locked position. However, the vertical position of thedisplay 20 is adjustable at vertical positions along the second portion36 when the brake is in its unlocked position. Accordingly, the brake ismoveable from its locked position to its unlocked position bydisengaging the first engagement member from the first surface of thesecond portion 36 by lifting up or tilting back the display 20.

In some embodiments, the first and/or engagement member and/or theircorresponding surfaces include a relatively high friction material(e.g., rubber) and the first surface of the second portion 36 isgenerally smooth. In such embodiments, the position of the display 20can be adjusted at an infinite number of vertical positions along thesecond portion 36.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 b and c, one of the firstengagement member or the first surface of the second portion 36comprises a male fitting 164 (e.g., tabs or teeth) or a female fitting166 (e.g., slots or teeth receiving grooves), and the other of the firstengagement member or the first surface of the second portion 36comprises the other of the male fitting or the female fitting. In suchembodiments, the position of the display 20 can be adjusted at adiscrete number of vertical positions along the second portion 36corresponding to the interaction locations of the male and femalefittings. As shown in FIG. 12 c, such a brake mechanism can also includea brake pivot mechanism 174 that allows the first portion to pivotrelative to the second portion. The first portion may also include aslot 176 to receive a pin 178. Such a slot allows the first portion topivot about the brake pivot mechanism while constraining the range ofthe pivot movement. In such embodiments, when a user pulls the bottom ofthe display or pushes the top of the display the first portion willpivot about the brake pivot mechanism and the male fittings willdisengage from the female fittings and the height of the display can beadjusted. When the user's force is removed gravity will cause thedisplay to rotate downward and reengage the male fittings with thefemale fittings. In the embodiment shown, first and second portions 34,36 can be connected via one or more slides 169 to facilitate therelative movement.

Also as shown in FIG. 12 c, a display tilt mechanism 210 can be providedto allow for tilting of the display relative to the stand. The displaytilt mechanism is independent of the brake pivot mechanism, such that auser can adjust a tilt angle of the display without pivoting the firstportion about the brake pivot mechanism, or can pivot the first portionabout the brake pivot mechanism without changing the tilt angle of thedisplay.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 12 d-j. In this embodiment, firstportion 34 includes male fittings 164 and second portion 36 includesfemale fittings 166 (as described above, this arrangement can bereversed). As shown, the first portion 34 can be shaped to extend aroundthe perimeter of the second portion 36, and can be sized larger than thesecond portion to allow it to be tilted about a pivot axis with respectto the second portion. In such embodiments, a user may grasp a displayconnected to the first portion to tilt the first portion relative to thesecond portion to disengage the male fittings from the female fittings.The height of the first portion can then be adjusted relative to thesecond portion. FIG. 12 e shows the first portion at a first verticallocation with respect to the second portion, and FIG. 12 f shows thefirst portion at a second vertical location with respect to the secondportion. At a desired height, the user can tilt the display downward toreengage the male fittings and the female fittings to set the height ofthe display. FIG. 12 g shows the brake mechanism in an unlocked positionwith the first portion pivoted with respect to the second portion, andFIG. 12 h shows the brake mechanism in a locked position. As shown inthe FIGS. 12 d-j, a display tilt mechanism 210 that is independent ofthe brake mechanism can also be provided to allow for desired tilting ofthe display.

In some embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 12 i-j, one or more glidepads 204 are provided to facilitate relative movement between the firstand second portions when the male fittings are not engaged with thefemale fittings. In some embodiments, one or more low friction glidepads 204 a and one ore more high friction glide pads 204 b are provided.In certain embodiments, the low friction glide pads 204 a include apolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (such as TEFLON), and the highfriction glide pads 204 b include a polymer such as rubber. As shown inFIGS. 12 i-j, the low and high friction glide pads can be placed tofacilitate relative movement between the first and second portions whendesired. As shown, low friction glide pads 204 a can be includedproximate the top of the first portion on the display side, andproximate the bottom of the first portion proximate the side on theopposite side of the display side. In such embodiments, the low frictionglide pads 204 a will contact the second portion when the first portionis pivoted with respect to the second portion to facilitate glidingmovement between the first and second portions. As shown, low frictionglide pads 204 a can also be included along the side of the first orsecond portions. Also as shown, high friction glide pads 204 b can bepositioned proximate the top of the first portion on the side oppositethe display side. In such a position, the high friction glide pad 204 bwill contact the second portion when the brake mechanism is in itslocked position. As shown in FIGS. 12 g-h, the high friction glide pad204 b can include an angled section 205 such that it contacts the secondportion when the brake system is in both its locked and unlockedpositions.

The stand can take any suitable form. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 13a-16 d, and 18 a-h, in some embodiments of the stand 10 the secondportion 36 is a generally vertical elongated member and the firstportion 34 travels in a generally straight path as it travels along thesecond portion 36. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17 a-b and 18i, the second portion 36 is curved and the first portion 34 travels in agenerally curved path as it travels along the second portion 36.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 11 b, 12 c, 13 a-17 b and 18 d-i, someembodiments of the stand 10 include a display tilt mechanism 210 toprovide tilting capabilities to the display. In some embodiments, thedisplay tilt mechanism 210 allows for tilting angles of about 40degrees. The stand 10 can provide this large of a tilting angle becauseit does not include a counterbalancing mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 13a-d, some embodiments of the stand 10 include the display tilt mechanism210 between the interface 30 and the first portion 34 to allow thedisplay 20 to tilt. In such embodiments the brake mechanism 40 does nottilt along with the display 20. In other embodiments, such as shown inFIGS. 14 a-d, the tilt mechanism is provided along the second portion 36such that the brake mechanism 40 and first portion 34 tilt along withthe display 20. In yet other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15 a-16 d,the tilt mechanism is provided between the second portion 36 and a base220 such that the second portion 36, brake mechanism 40, and firstportion 34 tilt along with the display 20.

Some embodiments of the stand 10 also allow the display 20 to swivel(e.g., pan). In some embodiments, the stand 10 includes a base 220 witha horizontal surface adapted to rest on a generally horizontal supportsurface, and the base further includes wheels 230 to facilitate swivelmovement of the display 20 and the stand 10, as shown in FIG. 18 j. Inother embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18 k, the stand 10 includes a base220 with a horizontal surface adapted to rest on a generally horizontalsupport surface, and the base includes a first base portion 240 adaptedto resist relative movement between itself and the generally horizontalsupport surface and a second base portion 250 rotatable with respect tothe first base portion and coupled to the second portion 36 tofacilitate swivel movement of the display 20. In yet other embodiments,as shown in FIG. 181, the stand 10 includes a base with a horizontalsurface adapted to rest on a generally horizontal support surface, andthe second portion 36 is rotatably coupled to the base such that thesecond portion 36 is rotatable with respect to the base to facilitateswivel movement of the display 20. In yet other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 18 m, the first portion 34 is rotatably coupled to the secondportion 36 such that the first portion 34 is rotatable with respect tothe second portion 36 to facilitate swivel movement of the display 20.

Embodiments of the invention also include any of the stands describedherein with an electronic display 20 attached to the stands. In someembodiments, the interface 30 attaches to the display 20 atapproximately the center of the display 20. In other embodiments, theinterface 30 attaches to the display 20 at approximately the bottom ofthe display 20.

The stands can be supported in any manner that allows a user to view adisplay 20 attached to the stand 10 and adjust the vertical position ofthe display 20. As described above, some embodiments of the stand 10include a base 220 coupled to the second portion 36, the base having aflat horizontal surface adapted to sit atop a horizontal work surfacesuch as a desk. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19 a, the stand10 includes a wall mount coupled to the fixed second portion 36, thewall mount having a vertical surface adapted to attach the mount to avertical surface. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19 b, the secondportion 36 is attached to a cart 250 having a vertical riser 260, a base270, and a keyboard tray 280. In yet other embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 19 c-f, the second portion 36 is attached to an articulating arm.As shown, such embodiments may also include a keyboard arm and tray, andthe articulating arm can include a four-bar arm.

Embodiments of the invention also include methods of using any of thestands described herein. In some embodiments, the method includesadjusting the height of an electronic display 20 supported by a stand byone or more of the following steps. In some embodiments, the methodincludes grasping an electronic display 20 (e.g., an electronic displayweighing between about 0.25 and about 3 kilograms) supported by thestand. Further the method can include selectively locking and unlockinga brake mechanism 40 with the same hand that grasps the electronicdisplay 20, wherein when the brake is locked the relative verticalposition of the display 20 is fixed. The method may also includeapplying external force, such as by a user's hand) to adjust thevertical position of the display 20 when the brake is unlocked such thatcounterbalancing forces to counterbalance a weight of the display 20 arenot provided by the stand.

In some embodiments, the brake mechanism 40 is selectively locked andunlocked by grasping an actuator 50 proximate an outer edge 60 of theelectronic display 20. In other embodiments, the brake mechanism 40 isselectively locked and unlocked by tilting the electronic display 20.

Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the presentinvention has been described in considerable detail with reference tocertain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presentedfor purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments ofthe invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatvarious changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand for an electronic display, comprising: aninterface to attach the display to the stand, the interface attached toa first portion adapted to move vertically along with the displayrelative to a fixed second portion as a vertical position of the displayis adjusted, wherein the second portion includes a vertical pole and thefirst portion connects the interface to the pole; and a brake mechanismto selectively fix the position of the first portion relative to thesecond portion at a desired vertical position, the brake mechanism beingselectively lockable and unlockable, wherein when the brake mechanism islocked the relative vertical position between the first and secondportions is maintained, wherein the brake mechanism includes at leastone torsion spring wrapped around the pole, the torsion spring having aninner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pole when thespring is in its relaxed state to provide sufficient frictional forcesto maintain the relative vertical position of the first and secondportions when the spring is in its relaxed state; an actuator toselectively lock and unlock the brake mechanism, the actuator beingproximate an outer edge of an electronic display when an electronicdisplay is supported by the stand such that a user may actuate theactuator while grasping the display with the same hand that is graspingthe display; and further wherein when the brake mechanism is unlockedthe relative vertical position between the first and second portions issolely adjustable by application of an external force such thatcounterbalancing forces to counterbalance a weight of the display orfirst portion are not provided by the stand.
 2. The stand of claim 1,wherein the brake mechanism includes a fixed collar to hold a first legof the torsion spring in a fixed position relative to the first portion,and a selectively rotatable collar to hold a second leg of the torsionspring in a selectively rotatable position with respect to the firstportion, the fixed and rotatable collars being received around the pole,such that when the actuator is actuated the rotatable collar is rotatedwith respect to the first portion to partially unwind the torsion springfrom its relaxed state, the partial unwinding increasing the innerdiameter of the spring to reduce the frictional forces between thespring and the pole, thereby allowing the first portion to move relativeto the pole such that the vertical position of the display can beadjusted at an infinite number of vertical positions along the pole. 3.The stand of claim 1, wherein the second portion is a generally verticalelongated member and the first portion travels in a generally straightpath as it travels along the second portion.
 4. The stand of claim 1,wherein the second portion is curved and the first portion travels in agenerally curved path as it travels along the second portion.
 5. Thestand of claim 3, further including a tilt mechanism between theinterface and the first portion.
 6. The stand of claim 1, wherein a tiltmechanism is provided to allow the display to tilt.
 7. The stand ofclaim 6, wherein the tilt mechanism allows for tilting angles of about40 degrees.
 8. The stand of claim 6, wherein the tilt mechanism isprovided between the interface and the first portion such that the brakemechanism does not tilt along with the display.
 9. The stand of claim 6,wherein the tilt mechanism is provided along the second portion suchthat the brake mechanism and first portion tilt along with the display.10. The stand of claim 6, wherein the tilt mechanism is provided betweenthe second portion and a base such that the second portion, brakemechanism, and first portion tilt along with the display.
 11. The standof claim 1, further wherein the display is swivelable.
 12. The stand ofclaim 11, wherein the stand includes a base with a horizontal surfaceadapted to rest on a generally horizontal support surface, the basefurther including wheels in the base to facilitate swivel movement ofthe display.
 13. The stand of claim 11, wherein the stand includes abase with a horizontal surface adapted to rest on a generally horizontalsupport surface, the base further including a first base portion adaptedto resist relative movement between itself and the generally horizontalsupport surface and a second base portion rotatable with respect to thefirst base portion and coupled to the second portion to facilitateswivel movement of the display.
 14. The stand of claim 11, wherein thestand includes a base with a horizontal surface adapted to rest on agenerally horizontal support surface, the second portion rotatablycoupled to the base such that the second portion is rotatable withrespect to the base to facilitate swivel movement of the display. 15.The stand of claim 11, wherein the first portion is rotatably coupled tothe second portion such that the first portion is rotatable with respectto the second portion to facilitate swivel movement of the display. 16.The stand of claim 1, further including the electronic display, whereinthe interface attaches to the display at approximately the center of thedisplay.
 17. The stand of claim 1, further including the electronicdisplay, wherein the interface attaches to the display at approximatelythe bottom of the display.
 18. The stand of claim 1, further including abase coupled to the second portion, the base having a flat horizontalsurface adapted to sit atop a horizontal work surface.
 19. The stand ofclaim 1, further including a wall mount coupled to the fixed secondportion, the wall mount having a vertical surface adapted to attach themount to a vertical surface.
 20. The stand of claim 1, wherein thesecond portion is attached to a cart having a vertical riser, a base,and a keyboard tray.
 21. The stand of claim 1, wherein the secondportion is attached to an articulating arm.
 22. The stand of claim 21,further including a keyboard arm and tray.
 23. The stand of claim 21,wherein the articulating arm includes a four-bar arm.
 24. The stand ofclaim 1, wherein the brake mechanism includes an actuator pivotmechanism, and actuation of the actuator causes the actuator to pivotabout the actuator pivot mechanism to unlock brake mechanism.